Rethink Mental Illness:House of Lords defeat on NHS reforms "an incredibly important step forward"
Thursday, 9 February 2012 10:07 AM
Paul Jenkins, CEO of the charity Rethink Mental Illness said: “This is an incredibly important step forward, as this amendment makes it explicitly clear in law that the Secretary of State has a duty to put mental and physical illness on an equal footing. Historically, mental health services have always been the poor relation within the NHS.
“We still have a long way to go before the 1 in 4 people who go through mental illness get access to the decent treatment they deserve. The stand the Lords have taken today is an extremely encouraging sign that things are heading in the right direction. We urge the government to accept this amendment and take this opportunity to help ensure the new NHS finally offers a fair deal for everyone regardless of whether they have a physical or mental illness.”
ENDS
For more information, please contact Rachel Whitehead, Senior media relations officer for Rethink Mental Illness rachel.whitehead@rethink.org 0207 840 3138
Notes to editors
Rethink Mental Illness is a charity that believes a better life is possible for millions of people affected by mental illness.
For 40 years we have brought people together to support each other. We run services and support groups that change people’s lives and challenge attitudes about mental illness.
We directly support almost 60,000 people every year across England to get through crises, to live independently and to realise they are not alone.
We give information and advice to 500,000 more and we change policy for millions.
For more information go to www.rethink.org
